Over 3.1 million viewers tune in to BBC to watch the Coronation Festival Evening Gala

The BBC confirmed an audience share on Saturday evening of 20.9 per cent, as an average of 3.1 million and a peak of 3.5 million viewers watched the broadcast of the Coronation Festival evening Gala. 6,500 visitors also took their seats to watch the Coronation Gala set against the spectacular backdrop of Buckingham Palace.

The Coronation Festival gala, which was hosted by Sophie Raworth and Gareth Malone, included performances from Katherine Jenkins, Only Boys Aloud, Russell Watson, Katie Melua and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, who famously sung at the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales.

The performances encapsulated the Festival's themes of excellence and innovation with a particular focus on youth, in a celebration of the past 60 years of Performing Arts.